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White House Speechwriter David Sorensen Resigns over Abuse Claims

Diane A. Wade
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White House Speechwriter David Sorensen Resigns over Abuse Claims

President Donald Trump’s speechwriter David Sorensen has become the second White House aide this week to resign amid allegations of domestic abuse.

However, David Sorensen denies his ex-wife’s allegations he was violent and emotionally abusive.

David Sorensen’s departure comes just days after another Trump top aide, Rob Porter, quit over allegations of abuse from two ex-wives, something he denies.

Questions have been raised over how long it took the White House to act on the accusations facing Rob Porter.

Jessica Corbett, David Sorensen’s ex-wife, told the Washington Post that he was physically abusive to her while they were married.

She said that on separate occasions David Sorensen ran a car over her foot, threw her against a wall and extinguished a cigarette on her hand.

In response, her former husband released a statement in which he said he had “never committed violence of any kind against any woman in my entire life” and that instead it was he who had been physically abused.

David Sorensen said he was considering legal action, but said he quit because he “didn’t want the White House to have to deal with this distraction”.

White House officials said they learned of the accusations by David Sorensen’s wife on February 8.

Deputy press secretary Raj Shah said: “We immediately confronted the staffer, he denied the allegations and he resigned today.”

Allegations of domestic abuse against Rob Porter involving two ex-wives surfaced on February 6.

It is alleged that the former White House staff secretary gave one ex-wife a black eye while another filed a restraining order. He denies the allegations.

On February 9, President Trump paid tribute to Rob Porter, who quit his White House position on February 7.

Speaking in the Oval Office President Trump said: “We found out about it recently and I was surprised by it, but we certainly wish him well and it’s a tough time for him.”

However, the president did not refer to Rob Porter’s accusers.

Donald Trump’s comments sparked criticism from Democrats, with former VP Joe Biden saying the president had downplayed the allegations against Rob Porter.

Joe Biden said: “That’s like saying: <<That axe murderer out there, he’s a great painter>>.”

Image source Wikimedia

White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter Resigns amid Abuse Claims

The case has put pressure on President Trump’s Chief-of-Staff John Kelly, who has denied reports he offered to resign over his handling of the accusations.

After initially praising Rob Porter as a man of “integrity”, John Kelly later released a statement saying he was shocked by the claims and stressed domestic violence was unacceptable.

According to media reports, John Kelly and other White House officials were aware for several months of the domestic abuse accusations because they were holding up Rob Porter’s security clearance application.

Raj Shah said that President Trump was not aware of any security issues before February 6 and was “disheartened” and “saddened” by the accusations.

White House communications director Hope Hicks’ handling of the controversy has also reportedly displeased President Trump.

Hope Hicks, 29, has recently been in a relationship with Rob Porter, a Harvard graduate and former Oxford Rhodes Scholar.

President Trump was reportedly not consulted when Hope Hicks helped draft an initial statement defending Rob Porter.

According to CBS News, Rob Porter approached White House Counsel Don McGahn in January 2017 to inform him his ex-wives might say unflattering things about him to background check investigators.

In June 2017, Rob Porter’s preliminary file was sent from the FBI to the White House security office, containing the abuse allegations.

In November, Don McGahn received a call from an ex-girlfriend of Rob Porter alleging physical violence by the aide.

Don McGahn told the White House chief of staff there was an issue with Rob Porter’s security clearance, although he was vague, reports CBS.

Rob Porter told John Kelly his ex-wives were saying false things about him.

A White House spokesman said on February 8 that John Kelly did not realize the extent of the claims until a photo of one of Rob Porter’s former wives, Colbie Holderness, suffering a black eye, emerged on February 7.

PyeongChang 2018: South Korean and North Korean Athletes Under Same Flag During Opening Ceremony

Clyde K. Valle
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PyeongChang 2018: South Korean and North Korean Athletes Under Same Flag During Opening Ceremony

South Korean and North Korean athletes entered under the same flag during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

North Korea ice hockey player Chung Gum Hwang and South Korean bobsledder Won Yun-jong were joint flagbearers.

Olympic president Thomas Bach has declared: “We are stronger than all the forces that want to divide us.”

Russian athletes came in under the neutral Olympic flag during the ceremony.

Russia is banned from the Games, and the forthcoming Paralympics, as a consequence of the 2016 McLaren report which claimed more than 1,000 of its sportspeople benefitted from state-sponsored doping.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited 169 Russians who have met the anti-doping criteria to compete as independent athletes and their team will be known as the ‘Olympic Athletes from Russia’.

An estimated 35,000 spectators inside the Olympic Stadium were given seat warmers, wind shields, hats and gloves with temperatures as low as -6C during the two hour-long ceremony.

Senior political figures from North Korea and the United States – two of the countries at the center of the political row – were both present.

Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, was sat one row behind VP Mike Pence in the VIP section.

Image source YouTube

PyeongChang 2018: Kim Jong-un’s Sister, Kim Yo-jong, to Visit South Korea for Olympics

PyeongChang Winter Olympics 2018: North Korea Rejects South Korea’s Offer to Form Unified Team

South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in shook hands with Kim Yo-jong and said at the ceremony: “I would like to take this opportunity to convey greetings and a message of friendship from the people of Korea.

“The Seoul 1988 Summer Games paved the way for reconciliation between east and west – breaking down the wall of the Cold War. Thirty years after hosting the Summer Games, the Pyeongchang Olympics has commenced with a hope for peace from everyone around the world.

“It was with an ardent desire that the people of Korea aspired to host the Winter Games, the only divided nation in the world. It mirrors the Olympic spirit in its pursuit of peace.”

North Korea announced it was to send a delegation to Pyeongchang in January after it met its South counterparts in their first high-level talks in more than two years.

The North Korean team consists of 22 athletes who will compete in five sports, although their women’s ice hockey players will compete in a unified Korean team. They played together for the first time on February 4 in their only practice match, which they lost 3-1 to Sweden.

The ‘wow moments’ in the ceremony included the formation of the Olympic Rings made up of 1,218 drones – a Guinness World Record for drones used in a performance – and 100 skiers.

There was also ‘the vision of peace in the sky’ which was a constellation inside the arena, while ‘the balance of yin and yang’ saw Korean drummers perform in unison before forming the South Korea flag. And the center of the stadium was lit up in the eye-catching ‘link to the world’ segment.

It all culminated in the ceremony centerpiece, which was the traditional lighting of the Olympic flame. That saw the final torchbearer Yuna Kim, who won Olympic ice skating gold in 2010, at the top of a slope light the flame as 30 fire rings ascended towards the white moon-shaped porcelain cauldron.

Second Shutdown 2018: Congress Votes to Pass Two-Year Budget

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Second Shutdown 2018: Congress Votes to Pass Two-Year Budget

Congress has voted to pass a two-year budget, meaning the US’s second shutdown in three weeks could end before the working day begins.

The Senate and the House have passed the measures, but still need to be signed off by President Donald Trump.

Federal funding for government services expired at midnight on February 8, after the Senate missed a voting deadline.

The 650-page plan proposes an increase in spending, by about $300 billion, on defense and domestic services.

Senators struggled with last-minute objections from Republican Rand Paul, meaning they did not vote in time. The shutdown came within three weeks of the last one, as lawmakers wrangle over the spending plan and other political demands on either side.

Image source Wikipedia

Government Shutdown: Senate Fails to Pass New Budget

The House approved the bill by 240 votes to 186. The Senate had passed it by 71 to 28 three hours earlier.

Paul Ryan said the bill was “a great victory for our men and women in uniform” as the military would get more resources.

The House Speaker said: “Ultimately, neither side got everything it wanted in this agreement, but we reached a bipartisan compromise that puts the safety and wellbeing of the American people first.”

While the spending bill’s funding for the Pentagon delighted the national security wing of the party, fiscal conservatives were concerned about ramifications for the nation’s debt.

The 650-page spending plan was only unveiled on February 8, so the finer details are still unclear.

White House legislative affairs director Marc Short said the package would increase spending by “just shy” of $300 billion.

The bill contains $165 billion of additional defense spending and $131 billion in domestic spending, including funding for healthcare, infrastructure and tackling the US opioid crisis, reports Reuters news agency.

The proposal would raise the US debt ceiling until March 2019.

Bangladesh: Former PM Khaleda Zia Jailed for Five Years for Corruption

Diane A. Wade
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Bangladesh: Former PM Khaleda Zia Jailed for Five Years for Corruption

Former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia has been sentenced to five years in jail for corruption.

Police have clashed with thousands of protesters as the opposition leader has been jailed.

She denies misusing international funds donated to a charitable children’s trust.

Begum Khaleda Zia became the country’s first female head of government in 1991 after leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to victory in Bangladesh’s first democratic election in 20 years.

She returned to the post of prime minister in 2001, stepping down in October 2006 ahead of a general election.

Khaleda Zia is the widow of former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman.

Her political career has been marred by corruption allegations and a long-standing political rivalry with Awami League leader and the current prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

The two women have alternated from government to opposition for most of the past two decades.

Image source Wikimedia

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The 72-year-old’s jail sentence may mean she is barred from parliamentary polls due later this year.

The case is one of dozens pending against Khaleda Zia, a long-time rival of PM Sheikh Hasina.

The charges against her had already led to her boycotting elections in 2014, which triggered widespread protests at the time.

For today’s verdict there was heightened security across the capital and other cities. Many stores and schools were shut, reports said.

According to Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), hundreds of its supporters were arrested in the run-up to the verdict.

Khaleda Zia has described the charges against her as politically motivated.

As she went into court, the former prime minister told weeping relatives: “I will be back. Do not worry and be strong”, according to the Daily Star.

The verdict was read out in a court in Dhaka after police used tear gas to disperse thousands of her supporters.

According to local reports, several police officers were injured in the violence.

Khaleda Zia was led away to jail minutes after the verdict, bdnews24 reported.

Her son Tarique Rahman was given 10 years in jail in absentia as he is in London. The same jail term was handed down to four of her aides.

Khaleda Zia’s trial centered around $252,000 intended for an orphanage trust set up when she was prime minister. She was found guilty of embezzling the funds.

White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter Resigns amid Abuse Claims

Diane A. Wade
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White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter Resigns amid Abuse Claims

Rob Porter, one of President Donald Trump’s top aides, has resigned amid abuse claims from his two ex-wives.

The White House staff secretary said “these outrageous allegations are simply false” as he announced he would step down.

The accusations were first reported in the Daily Mail and include accounts of physical and emotional abuse.

The White House would not comment on a report that Rob Porter, 40, failed to receive security clearance.

His ex-wives, Colbie Holderness and Jennifer Willoughby, both recounted stories of Rob Porter’s alleged misconduct.

Colbie Holderness, the first wife and a government analyst, said the White House aide had been verbally and physically abusive.

She said Rob Porter had kicked her on their 2003 honeymoon in the Canary Islands.

Colbie Holderness also alleged he punched her in the face while they were on holiday a couple of years later in Florence, Italy.

She supplied a photo of herself with a black eye to the media.

The second wife, Jennifer Willoughby, a motivational speaker, told the Daily Mail she was married to Rob Porter from 2009 to 2013.

She wrote about her experiences in a blog post entitled Why I Stayed.

Jennifer Willoughby said she filed a protective order against him in June 2010 after he allegedly punched the glass of the door at their Alexandria, Virginia, home.

She told the Washington Post on February 7: “He has never faced repercussions that forced him to confront his issues.

“I care about him and want what’s best for him, but that doesn’t necessarily mean him keeping his job because he needs to face these underlying issues.”

Rob Porter rejected the allegations in a statement read by the White House press secretary on February 7.

“I took the photos given to the media nearly 15 years ago and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described,” he said.

“I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a co-ordinated smear campaign.”

Image source Wikimedia

Hope Hicks Replaces Anthony Scaramucci as White House Communications Director

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According to the Daily Mail, RobPorter did not receive security clearance for his White House job after the FBI interviewed his ex-wives during background checks.

However, the White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders refused to be drawn on that issue.

She told reporters: “Background checks involve a complex investigation run by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

“As has always been our policy, we do not comment on security clearances. Rob Porter has been effective in his role as Staff Secretary.

“The President and Chief of Staff have full confidence in his abilities and his performance.”

Rob Porter attended Harvard with Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University.

His White House role involved working with the president and his chief of staff John Kelly.

Before Rob Porter resigned, John Kelly told the Daily Mail the staff secretary was “a man of true integrity and honor”.

According to the reports, Rob Porter has recently been romantically linked with White House communications director Hope Hicks.

Can You Guess The Most Dangerous Job In The USA? (Hint: It’s Not Trump’s PR Team)

Dana R
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Can You Guess The Most Dangerous Job In The USA? (Hint: It’s Not Trump’s PR Team)

sand mud soil blue clothing material close up horses helmet safety horseback riding konik toque

Credit:

The modern worker deserves a number of rights, and safety should be a priority for companies in all fields. Nonetheless, there’s no changing the fact that some surroundings are hit by bigger threats than others.   

Statistics show that, overall, 42 in every 100,000 Americans die each year from unintentional injuries. While the workplace is far from being the only location where this can happen, it is one that requires a great deal of attention. In truth, all workers should be prepared to take extra care in the work arena. Still, some jobs are naturally more dangerous than others. Can you guess the number one?

Quick, one last guess.

The Most Dangerous Job Is…

Logging. Yes, statistics show that 135.9 per 100,000 workers suffer fatal injuries while thousands more suffer non-fatal accidents. That places them above pilots, sea fishing professionals, and police officers.   

The news perhaps shouldn’t come as a major surprise. For starters, this is an outdoor job in potentially testing situations and weather conditions. Meanwhile, workers are often situated a long way away from medical facilities. In addition to facing accidents that are unique to this line of work, some falls that wouldn’t be life-threatening in other places can become fatal.  

Arguably the most surprising element for loggers is that they don’t get paid nearly enough money for putting their lives on the line.

tree forest wilderness jungle logging habitat natural environment

Credit:

What Does It All Mean?

To a certain extent, companies may suggest that the dangers simply come with the territory. Nonetheless, the statistics should not be overlooked by business owners in the industry. On the contrary, they must go the extra mile to ensure their working environments are safe.

First and foremost, companies should invest in the right equipment. From logging grapples and choker chains to portable sawmills, all items should be of the highest quality. Likewise, employers should invest in staff development courses, particularly for health and safety.

Employees need to take individual responsibility too. Investing in the right footwear, hard hats, and safety gloves is essential. Furthermore, workers in this environment need to take precautions to avoid distractions. Likewise, avoiding exhaustion and tiredness can reduce the odds of being one of the 135.9.

The harsh reality is that you cannot possibly prevent all incidents, especially when working in a sector like this. Preparing for the worst is an equally vital aspect. From a financial perspective, a good personal injury lawyer can be the key to justice. However, it’s crucial to consider the practical life changes that may be required when the worst happens.   

Essentially, the figures show that everyone involved in this type of work needs to appreciate the very real threats. Loggers, lumberjacks, and other woodworkers tend to fall into those jobs as a labor of love. Those dangers shouldn’t stop a logger following their passion, but it is a factor to consider.  

As for those of us that have a loved one in this area of work, understanding those daily stresses can make a big impact.  

PyeongChang 2018: Kim Jong-un’s Sister, Kim Yo-jong, to Visit South Korea for Olympics

Diane A. Wade
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PyeongChang 2018: Kim Jong-un’s Sister, Kim Yo-jong, to Visit South Korea for Olympics

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, is to attend February 9 opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games, which are being held in South Korea, ministers in Seoul say.

Kim Yo-jong, a senior Workers’ Party official promoted to the politburo in 2017, will be the first immediate Kim family member to cross the border.

Both Koreas will march under one flag at the opening ceremony.

North Korea’s participation has been seen as a thawing of bilateral ties.

However, the US, Japan and others have accused North Korea of using the Games for propaganda purposes.

Image source EPA

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Believed to have been born in 1987, Kim Yo-jong is the youngest daughter of late leader Kim Jong-il and is Kim Jong-un’s full sister. She is about four years younger than her brother and is said to be very close to him.

Kim Yo-jong is reportedly married to the son of Choe Ryong-hae, the powerful party secretary.

She has been in the spotlight sporadically in recent years, with her main job being to protect her brother’s image via her role in the party’s propaganda department.

Kim Yo-jong remains blacklisted by the United States over alleged links to human rights abuses in North Korea.

It would be the first by a direct member of the Kim dynasty.

Chang Song-thaek, Kim Jong-un’s uncle and brother in law of Kim Jong-il, did travel to South Korea but did not belong to the Baekdu blood line, which is considered significant.

European Markets Follow Global Stocks Lower as Investors Continue to Dump Shares

Clyde K. Valle
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European Markets Follow Global Stocks Lower as Investors Continue to Dump Shares

On February 6, European markets have followed Asian markets lower as investors continued to dump shares.

Frankfurt, London and Paris all fell sharply at the open with losses of up to 3%, before recovering some ground.

In the US overnight the Dow Jones lost 4.6%.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed down 4.7%.

The sell-off began last week after data in the United States showed stronger wage growth, which raised expectations that US interest rates might start to rise more quickly to tackle inflation.

Image source Wikipedia

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Frankfurt’s Dax and Paris’s CAC were down 2.2% and 2% respectively.

London’s FTSE 100 was down 150 points or 2% at 7,184.74 in mid morning trade.

On February 5, the FTSE 100 closed at its lowest level since April 2017.

The falls follow some good years for investors.

Last year, the Dow Jones was up 25% and London’s FTSE 100 rose 7.6%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng ended closed 5% lower and South Korea’s Kospi index gave up 2.6%. Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 lost 3.2%.

Japan’s Nikkei saw steeper falls overnight, with a loss of some 7% at one point.

Unlike elsewhere in the world, where interest rates are beginning to or are expected to start rising, Japan’s immediate economic outlook remains stagnant. The authorities there said there was little chance of interest rates being increased.

Traders returned to their desk in the aftermath of Friday’s rout to another bout of selling.

That left the Dow Jones Industrial Average index down 1,175 points, or 4.6% at the end of Monday’s session to 24,345.75.

The decline was the largest in percentage terms for the Dow since August 2011, when markets dropped in the aftermath of “Black Monday” – the day Standard & Poor’s downgraded its credit rating of the US.

The drop on the Dow Jones was closely followed by the wider S&P 500 stock index, down 4.1% and the technology-heavy NASDAQ, which lost 3.7%.

However, the White House reassures investors saying it was focused on “long-term economic fundamentals, which remain exceptionally strong”.

John Mahoney Dies Due to Complications from Cancer Aged 77

Sonia Pantiss
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John Mahoney Dies Due to Complications from Cancer Aged 77

Frasier actor John Mahoney, who played Martin Crane in the sitcom, has died at the age of 77 due to complications from cancer.

John Mahoney died on February 4 while in hospice care in Chicago.

He enjoyed a distinguished career in theatre, winning a Tony award, and had a long list of film and TV credits.

However, John Mahoney will be best remembered for playing the unpretentious, blunt father of Frasier and Niles Crane in the hit comedy, which ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004.

John Mahoney won a SAG award in 2000 for the role, and was also nominated for two Emmys and two Golden Globes.

Much of the comic spark in Frasier came from the relationship between the down-to-earth retired police officer Martin Crane and his pompous sons Frasier and Niles, played by Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce.

Image source Getty Images

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John Mahoney was born in Blackpool, UK, where his pregnant mother had been evacuated to escape Nazi bombing raids.

He moved to the United States as a young man, serving in the US army for three years, which he credits with eradicating his native British accent.

It was only in his 40s that he became a professional actor, after actors John Malkovich and Gary Sinise invited him to join the new Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

John Mahoney was a member of Steppenwolf for 39 years – and became a well-known part of the Chicago theatre scene.

The company announced on social media that the actor had passed away “due to complications from cancer”.

It said in a statement: “John was a beloved member of our Steppenwolf family who was known for his extraordinary kindness, generosity of spirit and quick smile.”

In a 2004 interview with the Chicago Tribune, John Mahoney said he preferred his theatre work to the high-profile national television scene, saying: “I don’t care if I never go in front of a camera again.”

John Mahoney also lent his voice to a number of animated projects, including Atlantis: The Lost Empire, The Iron Giant and Antz.

Pentagon’s DLA Missing Documentation for How It Spent $800 Million

Roy Siemens
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Pentagon’s DLA Missing Documentation for How It Spent $800 Million

A new audit finds that the Pentagon’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is missing documentation for how it spent hundreds of millions of dollars.

According to Politico, Ernst and Young found the DLA could not account for $800 million.

The money was reportedly used for military construction projects and computer systems.

DLA confirmed failure to properly track its spending, but said there was no “loss of accountability”.

A spokeswoman said the DLA, which was founded during World War II, is already taking steps to improve.

Image source Wikimedia

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The Defense Department, which has an annual budget of $700 billion, has reportedly never undergone a full audit.

President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans advocate billions of dollars in additional funding for the department.

According to the report, the audit raises concerns about how the agency handles its budget.

According to Politico, the DLA is one of the largest agencies in the Pentagon, employing 25,000 people with an annual budget of $40 billion.

The Pentagon’s annual budget exceeds half-a-trillion dollars.

Of the unaccounted money, $465 million was found to be used for construction projects for the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies, the report said.

The agency also failed to produce documentation for $100 million of computer systems.

The report covers the fiscal year that ended in September 2016.

PyeongChang 2018: North Korea’s Head of State Kim Yong-nam to Attend Opening Ceremony

Clyde K. Valle
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0
PyeongChang 2018: North Korea’s Head of State Kim Yong-nam to Attend Opening Ceremony

North Korea’s head of state Kim Yong-nam will go to PyeongChang this week for the Winter Olympics.

Kim Yong-nam, 90, is the most senior official to ever visit South Korea.

North Korea confirmed his attendance at the opening ceremony, set for February 9.

Both Koreas will march under one flag at the opening ceremony.

Although Kim Yong-nam’s attendance at the Winter Olympics signals a thaw in relations between the Koreas, experts say it is unlikely to have any impact on North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

Kim Yong-nam will be in South Korea for a three-day visit and will lead a 22-member delegation.

He has seen the rule of all three North Korean leaders in his career.

Kim Yong-nam is the ceremonial head of state who receives credentials from foreign diplomats in Pyongyang. As such, he is usually responsible for sending condolences or congratulatory messages to foreign leaders.

He has been the president of North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, the Supreme People’s Assembly, since 1998.

Unlike North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Kim Yong-nam has traveled abroad on official visits. In August 2017, he travelled to Iran to attend President Hassan Rouhani’s inauguration ceremony for his second term in office.

Kim Yong-nam also attended the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia in 2014.

He is said to be a loyal follower of the top leadership.

“As Kim is known to be acting and speaking under the country’s guidance, he makes no mistakes. That’s why he could keep his high-level post in a country where political purges are common,” South Korea’s Yonhap news agency quoted one North Korean defector as saying.

Image source Wikimedia

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South Korea has said it will seek high-level talks with the North Korean delegation during the visit, Yonhap reported.

Kim Yong-nam’s attendance at the opening ceremony will also put him in the company of Vice President Mike Pence, at a point of high tension with Washington over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

On February 4, the Washington Post reported that Fred Warmbier, whose son Otto Warmbier was jailed by North Korea and died days after returning to the United States, would attend the opening ceremony as a guest of VP Mike Pence.

Fred Warmbier and his wife, Cindy, were guests of President Donald Trump at last week’s State of the Union address.

On February 5, North Korea proposed sending an art troupe to the Games by ferry, a move that would require an exemption from bilateral sanctions.

According to South Korea’s unification ministry, Pyongyang proposed that its delegation use the Mangyongbong 92, a ferry that usually operates between North Korea and Russia, for transportation and as accommodation for the group.

All North Korean ships have been banned from entering South Korean ports since 2010.

South Korean ministry spokesman Baik Tae-hyun told a press conference: “We’re seeking to apply an exemption… to support a successful hosting of the Olympics.”

On February 4, the united Korean women’s ice hockey team played its first match, but lost the friendly against Sweden 1-3.

The outing was the first and only practice match for the newly minted Korean squad.

As well as the ice hockey players, North Korean athletes will compete in skiing and figure skating events. It is also sending hundreds of delegates, cheerleaders and performers.

North Korea currently faces growing international pressure and sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs after it conducted a series of missile tests designed to demonstrate its nuclear capability.

Its participation in the Olympics, which run from February 9 to 25, was an unexpected warming of ties.

Meanwhile, although South Korea and the US have agreed to delay the annual big joint military exercises which always enrage North Korea, they will still go ahead at the end of the Paralympics.

Greece: Huge Athens Rally over Macedonia Name Dispute

Diane A. Wade
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Greece: Huge Athens Rally over Macedonia Name Dispute

More than 100,000 people from across Greece have taken to the streets of Athens on February 4 in a protest about the decades-long dispute over the name Macedonia.

Many Greeks object to the country of the same name calling itself Macedonia, saying it implies a territorial claim on Greece’s northern Macedonia region.

They oppose Greek government proposals on resolving the issue.

Famous Zorba The Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, 92, was among those addressing the crowds.

On February 3, anarchists daubed red paint over Mikis Theodorakis’ home, but he was unfazed, declaring: “I am calm and ready.”

Protesters carrying Greek flags chanted “hands off Macedonia” and “Macedonia is Greece”, as they assembled in Syntagma Square outside parliament.

“Macedonia was, is and will forever be Greek,” Mikis Theodorakis told the huge crowds, adding that any suggestion of a name to resolve the dispute must be put to a referendum.

“If a government considers signing on behalf of our country… there is no doubt it must first ask the Greek people.”

Image source Wikimedia

The composer said the neighboring northern state was “illegitimate”.

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Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias recently received death threats when he said he expected the dispute to be resolved within months.

It is the second such protest in two weeks. On January 21, some 90,000 demonstrators rallied in Thessaloniki, the capital of the Macedonia region.

Organizers of February 4 protest estimated that 1.5 million people had attended but police said turnout was less than one tenth of that.

The dispute has simmered since Macedonia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and it has held up its attempts to join NATO and the EU.

Greece’s left-wing Syriza government says the issue is a diplomatic obstacle it wants resolved and has proposed agreeing to a composite name for the country which would include the word Macedonia but ensure a clear differentiation from the Greek region.

Macedonia argues that its people can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Macedon, once ruled by Alexander the Great, and that the name “Macedonia” is therefore the logical option.

However, PM Zoran Zaev said last month that Macedonia would change the name of its airport from Skopje Alexander the Great airport, to show good will.

The Greek Orthodox Church backs the campaign to stop Macedonia using any variant of the name.

In organizations such as the UN, where talks have been under way, Macedonia is officially known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

At home, the Macedonian government calls the country it administers simply “Republic of Macedonia”.

UN mediator Matthew Nimetz has suggested alternatives such as “Republic of New Macedonia”.

According to new reports, a proposal to name it “Republic of Macedonia-Skopje” was accepted by Greece but rejected by Macedonia.

How to Improve Your Darts Game

Nancy Clayson
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How to Improve Your Darts Game
Image source Pexels

Darts games require players to possess certain skills in order to perform well at them. It is not enough to just throw a dart and hope that it goes where you want it to go on the dart board. You need to have the right eye-to-hand coordination so that you can control where the dart will go before you throw it. Professional darts players have all trained themselves to perform in this way and you need to do the same if you want to get good at darts too.

 

Aim the Dart

 

When you throw a dart at a dartboard, you need to aim your dart at the area of the board that you want to hit. It is no different than if you were hunting in the woods and had to aim your rifle at your target. Think of a dartboard as your target and the dart is your weapon. You want to aim your weapon so that it hits the target. To successfully aim a dart, make sure your body is directly positioned in front of the dartboard. Step forward a little bit and use your dominant eye to focus on the area you want to hit. When you go to throw the dart, make sure the back of the dart is aligned with your dominant eye. Keep your arm at a 90° angle and use the force of your elbow to deliver power into the throw.

 

Chose a Good Dartboard

 

You could have the best darts skills in the world and still fail to strike a hit if you are playing with a low-quality dartboard. If you are just playing darts for fun on a magnetic dartboard or electronic dartboard, it tends to be harder for the dart to stick to the board if the tip doesn’t strike exactly right. You would be better off finding a high-quality bristle dartboard by visiting the darts blog website entitled Peak Picker. They have yearly recommendations of the best dart boards to use for both professional and recreational purposes.

 

Practice Regularly

 

Like any skill you want to perfect, improving your darts game requires you to practice playing darts on a regular basis. This doesn’t mean only playing darts a few days per week either. You need to play for a few hours every day to advance your game and possibly become as good as a professional player. It all depends on how much you want to improve your darts game. But, in any case, it is going to take practice.

 

Play with Other People

 

You should not always be playing darts alone. If you want to improve your game, then you need to practice playing darts with other people. This will prepare you for a real-life gaming scenario where you’re playing in actual team-based games or possibly even tournament games. Another benefit to playing with other people is that they may be more experienced at the game than you are. Because of this, they may lend you some pointers and tips on how to improve your game. Take all the advice you can get from players who are better than you. It can only help you get better.

 

Hold the Dart Properly

 

A dart is comprised of a pointy tip on the end, side barrel in the back of the tip, shaft stem in the back of the barrel, and the flight wings in the back of everything else. Any good darts player will hold the barrel area of the dart when they throw. You need to use a minimum of three fingers when you do this. However, a lot of professional players tend to use 4 or 5 fingers because it gives them additional control over their dart. The only downside is that it is harder to release the dart when you have more fingers holding it. Since everyone is different, you should experiment and see how many fingers works best for you. As for the grip, keep it firm without putting too much pressure on your finger muscles.

Lady Gaga Cancels European Tour Due to Severe Pain

Sonia Pantiss
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Lady Gaga Cancels European Tour Due to Severe Pain

Lady Gaga has halted the European leg of her Joanne World Tour due to “severe pain”.

In a tweet, Lady Gaga apologized to fans and said she was “devastated”, but needed to put “myself and my well-being” first.

Lady Gaga has fibromyalgia, a long-term condition which can cause pain all over the body.

In her statement, the singer said the “tough decision” had been made on February 2 with “strong support from her medical team”.

Ticket holders can apply for a refund from February 6, the statement added.

Image source Flickr

Lady Gaga Hospitalized with Severe Physical Pain

Lady Gaga Reveals She Suffers from PTSD Since Being Raped

Lady Gaga, 31, wrote: “I’m so devastated I don’t know how to describe it.

“All I know is that if I don’t do this, I am not standing by the words or meaning of my music.”

The announcement comes after the Grammy-winner started the UK leg of her tour at Birmingham Arena.

The European leg of Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour had already been rescheduled due to her condition and followed a decision to pull out of a performance at Rock In Rio in Brazil in September, after she was hospitalized with “severe physical pain.”

Lady Gaga was due to perform in Zurich, Cologne, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Paris and Berlin in the coming weeks.

At the end of 2017, Lady Gaga announced a two-year residency in Las Vegas, starting late in 2018.

Fidel Castro’s Son, Fidelito, Kills Himself in Havana

Nancy Clayson
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Fidel Castro’s Son, Fidelito, Kills Himself in Havana

Fidel Castro’s son, Fidel Ángel Castro Díaz-Balart, has killed himself in Havana, according to Cuban state media.

The 68-year-old was found on February 1 and is said to have suffered from depression.

The first-born son of the late Cuban president was nicknamed “Fidelito”, or Little Fidel, after his father.

Fidel Ángel Castro Díaz-Balart was a nuclear physicist, trained by the former Soviet Union.

Cuba’s official newspaper Granma reported – little more than a year after Fidel Castro’s death: “Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart, who had been treated by a group of doctors for several months due to deep depression, took his life this morning.”

Image source vanguardia.cu

Fidel Castro Dead: Cuba’s Former President and Leader of Communist Revolution Dies Aged 90

Cuban state TV said he had been receiving medical treatment as an outpatient in recent months, following a hospital stay.

At the time of his death, Fidel Ángel Castro Díaz-Balart was a scientific adviser for the Cuban Council of State and he served as vice president of Cuba’s Academy of Sciences.

He headed Cuba’s nuclear program from 1980 to 1992, before it was suspended after the Soviet Union’s collapse.

Fidel Ángel Castro Díaz-Balart was married to María Victoria Barreiro and had three children from his previous marriage – Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, Mirta María Castro Smirnova and Jos­é Raúl Castro Smirnov.

He was born in 1949, during his father’s brief first marriage to Mirta Díaz-Balart, the daughter of a prominent pre-revolution politician.

Fidel Castro went on to overthrow the US-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista, in 1959 – when Mirta Díaz-Balart’s family fled Cuba and went to Florida.

Fidelito’s parents divorced and he spent some of his early years in the US before his father managed to bring him back to Cuba.

This history explains why some of his close maternal relatives are among the most committed critics of the Cuban government – such as his cousin, Mario Díaz-Balart, a US congressman.

Fidelito himself was loyal to the ideals of the Cuban revolution, but was said in recent years to have grown weary – both of living in his father’s shadow and having been sidelined from Cuban decision-making on energy resources, said reports.

The TV announcement said Fidel Ángel Castro Díaz-Balart’s funeral would be planned by his family, but no further details were given.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwYWKZ2AfDg

42 in Every 100,000 in US Die From Unintentional Injuries Every Year

Dana R
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42 in Every 100,000 in US Die From Unintentional Injuries Every Year

Terrifying as it may sound, significant numbers of people in the US are still dying from injuries due to unintentional accidents. This means, according to the NCHS there are 30.6 million emergency room visits each and every year, with unintentional death being the fourth most common cause of fatalities. What can be done to curtail this epidemic? Read in to find out more.

Traffic

10.6 of the deaths per 100,000 people are caused by traffic accidents. Of course, we live in a society in which almost everyone requires a car to be able to get to work, get their kids to school, and do the everyday parts of life that are essential. However, it is clear that people are still not taking driving safety seriously enough.

With this in mind, actions that increase the safety of vehicle journeys for passengers, and other road user need to be prioritized. These may include providing more comprehensive drivers Ed, including defensive driving techniques and demonstrating the results of an accident at high impact as a deterrent measure. Government subsidies for vehicles with advanced safety features such as ABS and collision avoidance systems would also be a welcome development.

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Falls

10.0 of the deaths per 100000 people are caused by falls from height. Sadly this is an area in which such fatalities could often be avoided if only the victim were made aware of the safety risk beforehand. That is what an essential part of tackling this particular concerns is educated people in safe practices when working at height both in the home and at work.

However, there is only so much the individual can be held accountable for accidental falls. After all, if they do don’t know there is a risk, they will go ahead with action whether its safe or not.

That is why it is also vital that employers take on their due responsibilities and step up to the mark where safer equipment and signage is concerned.

Picture source

After all, they have a moral and legal duty to preserve the life and well being of their employees while they are performing the task they ask of them. That means professionals like Derrick Law Firm can help victims and their families make a claim against them if they do not live up to these duties. Something that can prevent such tragic accidents happening again.

Poisoning

A shocking 13.2 out of every 100,000 deaths are caused by unintentional poisoning in the US. Sadly many of these deaths are attributed to poisoning by drug use, a problem that has doubled and tripled for men and women respectively, over the last few year.

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Obviously, preventing such deaths is a complicated issue that is not just about preventative education. In fact, it needs to also involve economic and social reform, better higher education opportunities and the provision of rehabilitation and counseling for those that are already using.

In addition, the use of drugs such as Naloxone and the facility to carry them by the police and fire services also has the potential to drastically reduce this figure over the longer term. Something that makes it issues that more people should speak out on.

Robert Wagner Is Person of Interest in Natalie Wood’s Death, Police Say

Sonia Pantiss
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Robert Wagner Is Person of Interest in Natalie Wood’s Death, Police Say

Police investigating the death of Natalie Wood say her husband, Robert Wagner, is now a person of interest.

According to LA investigators, Robert Wagner has “constantly changed his story”, adding that his version of events does not “add up”.

Natalie Wood was found drowned in 1981 during a California boat trip with Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken.

The movie star’s death was ruled to have been an accident but questions have lingered.

Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s office told CBS News: “As we’ve investigated the case over the last six years, I think [Robert Wagner] is more of a person of interest now.”

“We know now that he was the last person to be with Natalie before she disappeared,” he said.

“I haven’t seen him tell the details that match all the other witnesses in this case.”

Lt Corina added: “I think he’s constantly changed his story a little bit. And his version of events just don’t add up.”

Conflicting versions of what happened on the yacht have contributed to the mystery of how Natalie Wood died in November 1981.

Family members have previously asked for authorities to re-examine the findings of the original investigation.

Natalie Wood, who starred in West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause, had been partying the night before her death. The coroner’s investigation ruled she had been drinking and may have slipped trying to board a dinghy.

However, police say two new witnesses have corroborated accounts of a fight between Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood on the night she disappeared.

Witnesses say it appears Natalie Wood was the victim of an assault. The post-mortem report said the actress had bruises on her body and arms as well as a facial abrasion on her left cheek.

Image source Flickr

Natalie Wood’s death certificate changed to “Undetermined”

Lana Wood claims Robert Wagner left Natalie Wood to drown

Natalie Wood’s death case re-opened as a homicide

Natalie Wood death: Robert Wagner declines to be interviewed into reinvestigation

The boat’s captain, Dennis Davern, told NBC News in 2011 that he lied to police during the initial investigation and that a fight between Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner had led to her death.

Robert Wagner, now 87, has not commented on the latest developments but acknowledged in his memoir that he had argued with his wife before she disappeared.

Investigators say he has refused to speak to them since the case was reopened in 2011.

In 2012, Natalie Wood’s death certificate was amended to reflect the uncertainty surrounding her death. It now says the actress died as a result of “drowning and other undetermined factors” and the circumstances of how she ended up in the water are “not clearly established”.

Natalie Wood was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in Rebel Without a Cause, and for best actress for Splendor in the Grass and Love with the Proper Stranger.

As a child, Natalie Wood featured in movies like Miracle on 34th Street and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5VX-xfO-mA

Parental Control App And The First Mobile Of Children!

Kathryn R. Bown
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Parental Control App And The First Mobile Of Children!

The children of increasingly younger ages are protagonists in the phenomenon of mobile connectivity. From two or three years old, they begin to lean out on their parents’ phones and to manage theses devices regularly, becoming familiar with their functionalities almost before being able to speak clearly, or to learn to read. This fluid handling usually makes us very funny in such small children, but we should not let them relate to these devices in an uncontrolled way. To make the use positive and the main way to prevent misuse or risk behaviors that can lead to future problems is to get involved in this technology education from the beginning. The key is as much in knowing how to orient the learning, as in not radically prohibiting it.

When to buy your kid their first mobile phone?

The children at a very younger age see mobile phone as a toy that they use to play games, to paint or color, and even watch videos of cartoons. However, as they grow, this playful use gives way to other functions. The phone becomes a device to communicate with. Therefore, the main use of the telephone is to be in contact with parents and, above all, with friends. To have a mobile phone is to belong to the group. The child sees that everyone around him has it and begins to ask for his own terminal, each time at younger ages. Thus, parents suffer emotional blackmail, coupled with some social pressure.

So, when should we buy our kids their first mobile phone? Well, there is no specific age, but you have to look at each case, at the maturity of each child, and at the specific circumstances of your lifestyle that make them need this device. And it is that at certain ages it can be relatively useful, but it is not really necessary. What we should make clear to our kids from the first moment is that the main function of the telephone is communication, and that is why it is advisable to have it.

In this sense, experts recommend that children do not have their own phone before age 12. From this age, they sharpen their need for independence and already spend more time away from us. In addition, access to a new stage in school, Secondary Education, and this is a big change for them. It is now a good time for them to begin to take on responsibilities such as those involved in having their own mobile phone.

To the parents, the device will serve us to be in continuous contact with them, to have them located, and to be able to control their exits. All this becomes possible with the use of the parental controls app such as FamilyTime parental control app that let parents view contact, call history, SMS threads, installed apps, app preferences, app usage frequency, web history and much more. In addition to supervising, parents can also take needed actions.

For example, with the app, parents can watchlist contacts, block unwanted or inappropriate apps, schedule auto screen locks and remotely lock devices, etc.  There is a lot more parents can do with this app in hand. Dp you wish to give the app a try for free? You can! Get the trial version with premium features from the Google Play store and iTunes.

How You Can Help Others That Are in Financial Trouble

Dana R
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How You Can Help Others That Are in Financial Trouble

Anybody can be stricken with the plight that is financial trouble, absolutely anybody. And, if it were you that were stricken with it, you’d want others to help you out in regards to it, wouldn’t you? Yes, you would, and that is why you should always go out of your way to help others who are stricken with it.

 

To see just what you can do to help others when you know they they are suffering with financial problems, make sure to read on.

reaching

Image source

Help them financially

Of course, the first thing to do when you see somebody struggling financially is to provide them with the sum they need to sort their problems out. But, this doesn’t have to necessarily mean the whole sum. No, whether this be 100% of the amount of money they need to free themselves of their debt, 50% of it or just 10% of it, whatever you give them will be a bonus and will go some way in assisting them in beating their financial problems. The point is, don’t be afraid to help someone financially, but don’t put yourself into your financial trouble by doing so.

Give them advice on professional lending companies

If you can’t gift or borrow your friend the money they need to beat their financial affliction, then give them advice on where they can get the money instead. Specially, give them advice on professional lending companies because they provide a host of borrowing options, one such option being the payday loan. But, just make sure that when you give them this advice that you also tell them that they will have to pay any money they borrow back by a deadline and with interest.

Co-sign on a bank loan with them

If your friend or family member is looking to take out a loan from their bank but has thus far been refused because of their poor financial status or because they have bad credit, then it could be a good idea for you to co-sign on the loan with them. By doing so you will be allowing your friend to utilise your good credit score and reap the benefits of it. But, when doing so, just know that should your friend, for whatever reason, fail in paying the loan back then it will be down to you to do so. So, trust must work both ways in this venture — trust on their part for you co-signing in the first place, trust on your part that they will not leave you high and dry to pay off the loan in the end.

Help them draw up a budget

Sometimes, budgeting is so difficult when we do it for ourselves because its hard to see past what we want to spend on our money on in order to see what we need to spend it on. But, by offering your friend the outsiders perspective you might just provide them with the budgeting support they need to cut their budget right down. More to the point, you might just provide them with the clarity they need in regards to knowing what they want to spend on, and what they need to spend on.

Find them some employment

Of course, the best way to beat a financial problem and get that cash flowing flowing steadily again is to find employment and reap the benefits of the financial stability it provides. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in contact with somebody looking to hire somebody, or if you, yourself, own your own business, then make sure you are doing all you can to help your friend find a job. Or, if you do not have contacts in these ways, then simply sit down with your friend and make sure they are applying for a plethora of jobs every day.

Offer or find them emotional support

Sometimes, financial difficulties extend way past being just little money troubles. Yes, sometimes it’s not just a person’s personal finances that are negatively impacted by financial trouble, sometimes it’s the person themselves. Specifically, sometimes, a person that is going through a rough patch with their finances will have their wellbeing, their health and their emotional state be negatively impacted by their financial plight. And, if your friend were to be experiencing the denial, anxiety or depression of such a state, then it would be down to you to find them a professional non-profit credit counselling service to help them out, or to seek to help them out yourself. Seriously, by doing so you might just save their life.

For more advice on how you can help others who are suffering with financial problems, make sure to head here.

Train Carrying Republicans Hits Garbage Truck Killing Driver

Nancy Clayson
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Train Carrying Republicans Hits Garbage Truck Killing Driver

A train carrying Republican lawmakers to a retreat hit a truck on the track in Virginia, killing the driver, says the White House.

According to authorities, six people were injured, including another truck passenger who was airlifted out with critical injures.

No members of Congress or their staff were among the seriously hurt, officials said.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed they are investigating the cause of the accident.

The members of Congress – who included House Speaker Paul Ryan – were on their way to their annual retreat in Greenbrier, West Virginia, when the specially chartered Amtrak train crashed at 11:20 local time on January 31.

A photograph from the scene showed train passengers aiding emergency responders in helping the injured.

The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Christopher Foley, one of two passengers in the truck, which was a waste disposal vehicle.

Some train passengers were hurled from their seats by the collision, which happened near Crozet, Virginia, about 110 miles south-west of Washington DC.

Jason Lewis, a congressman from Minnesota, was taken to the hospital and treated for a possible concussion, his office said.

The congressman said: “I’m fine compared to, tragically, the truck drivers, and thankful for the prompt action of our doctors and first responders. My thoughts are with the family of the driver who passed away.”

Image source AFP

According to Utah Senator Mike Lee, the “garbage truck” was “cut in half”.

During a meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump said, “the train accident was a tough one. A tremendous jolt”.

The president said: “We don’t have a full understanding yet as to what happened but it was a train hitting a truck going at a pretty good speed.

“It looks like the driver of the truck was killed, it’s very sad to see that.”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said: “There is one confirmed fatality and one serious injury. There are no serious injuries among members of Congress or their staff.

“Senior Administration officials are in regular contact with Amtrak and state and local authorities.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this incident.”

President Donald Trump is due to visit the retreat on February 1.

Security officials and doctors for the lawmakers – as well as two congressmen who are ex-doctors – helped emergency officials, lawmakers said.

A Michigan congressman said that train passengers had gathered outside the train in prayer.

Tennessee Congressman Chuck Fleischmann said he was walking to the train’s toilet when the collision occurred, and he was injured.

According to a report by the Federal Railroad Administration, incidents between trains and cars crossing at railway tracks have increased in recent years. This is likely due to a higher traffic volume of cars on the road.

The NTSB said on January 31 that they had ruled out foul play as a possibility, but were investigating a range of factors in the crash.

TPS: Trump Administration Extends Temporary Protection for Nearly 7,000 Syrians

Diane A. Wade
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TPS: Trump Administration Extends Temporary Protection for Nearly 7,000 Syrians

President Donald Trump has extended a temporary protection for 6,900 Syrians in living in the United States as war continues to ravage their country.

Syrians were shielded from deportation under a humanitarian program, Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

President Trump has cancelled TPS programs for various countries in recent months, affecting immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti and Nicaragua.

However, the extension does not apply to any new or recent applicants from Syria.

For Syrians already living and working in the United States, TPS will be extended for another 18 months. Syrians who entered the country after August 2016 will be excluded from the program.

Image source Flickr

President Trump Signs New Immigration Executive Order

White House Details New Immigrations Measures

Created in 1990, TPS program allows immigrants from countries deemed unsafe to lawfully live and work in the United States.

The program is used by hundreds of thousands of people from 10 designated countries that have been hit by problems such as natural disasters or civil conflicts.

Since 2011, Syria has been embroiled in a civil war that has caused millions to flee and hundreds of thousands of deaths.

Protections were set to expire for Syrians on March 31, but with the extension will now last at least another 18 months.

Secretary of Homeland (DHS) Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen said in a statement: “It is clear that the conditions upon which Syria’s designation was based continue to exist, therefore an extension is warranted under the statute.

“We will continue to determine each country’s TPS status on a country-by-country basis.”

Earlier this month, DHS announced it would end protected status for 262,500 Salvadorians with an 18-month delay.

In November 2017, the administration said status Haitians and Nicaraguans would also end in 2019.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZTgGPi66D8

#MeToo: Hillary Clinton Admits She Should Have Fired Burns Strider over Harassment

Nancy Clayson
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#MeToo: Hillary Clinton Admits She Should Have Fired Burns Strider over Harassment

Hillary Clinton has admitted that she should have fired her adviser, Burns Strider, who was accused of harassment during her 2008 presidential campaign.

Burns Strider was initially docked pay and told to seek counseling but was later fired from a campaign group after again being accused of harassment.

He has not commented on the allegations.

Hillary Clinton posted the statement moments before President Donald Trump began his state of the union speech.

Her move has prompted some speculation that she was seeking to bury her apology in the storm of media coverage around the address.

According to New York Times, the 30-year-old woman who made the complaint shared an office with Burns Strider when it broke the story of the claims last week.

The report said that, according to three former campaign officials, she had told a campaign official that Burns Strider had rubbed her shoulders inappropriately, kissed her on the forehead and sent suggestive emails.

When the woman’s complaint was investigated, two advisers, including her campaign manager, recommended Burns Strider be fired, but instead Hillary Clinton moved her to a new role, while Strider stayed in place.

Photo Getty Images

#MeToo: Steve Wynn Resigns as RNC Finance Chair over Harassment Allegations

#MeToo: Casey Affleck Pulls Out of Oscars Following Harassment Allegations

#MeToo: Catherine Deneuve Warns About New Puritanism Sparked by Harassment Scandals

The matter has raised questions about Hillary Clinton’s judgment and stated commitment to women’s advancement.

Hillary Clinton said in a statement posted on Facebook: “I’m being asked as to why I let an employee on my 2008 campaign keep his job despite his inappropriate workplace behavior.

“The short answer is this: If I had it to do again, I wouldn’t.”

The former presidential candidate says she understands the scrutiny of her decision to retain Burns Strider given her work to “support and empower women”.

Hillary Clinton then goes on to explain her reasoning in detail.

She decided to do so, she says, “because I didn’t think firing him was the best solution to the problem.

Hillary Clinton wrote: “He needed to be punished, change his behavior, and understand why his actions were wrong. The young woman needed to be able to thrive and feel safe.

“I thought both could happen without him losing his job.”

Hillary Clinton also says she has “reached out” to the woman in question: “The fact that [she] felt heard and supported reinforced my belief that the process worked – at least to a degree.”

However, she points out that the events took place long before the “seismic shift” in social attitudes towards harassment.

Burns Strider was Hillary Clinton’s faith adviser and has continued to send her scripture readings over recent years, the New York Times reported.

Getting to Know Your Ammunition

Dana R
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Getting to Know Your Ammunition

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/bullet-cartridge-ammunition-crime-408636/

If you’re new to guns, there’s plenty to learn. Knowing what to put in your gun is a big part of being a responsible gun owner. Bullets can seem intimidating, especially when they’re piled up in front of you. Ammo boxes are often covered in a myriad of numbers, and if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it’s easy to make the wrong choice.

Before you learn how to shoot, you need to learn about the types of ammunition that can be loaded into your gun. Keep reading to learn a little more about what kind of ammunition is available to you and what’s the most appropriate for you to use.

Know Your Gun’s Caliber and/or Size

First things first. Knowing what the exact ammo your gun can take is extremely important. Luckily, firearm manufacturers make this easy by putting the caliber of your weapon on the side of the firearm. It’s important to make note of every detail when determining the caliber of your gun.

For example, there is a huge difference between a .380 and a .38 handgun. Likewise, don’t let anyone tell you that a .223 and a 5.56 are the same thing. And speaking of the .223, rifles that are chambered for .300 rounds should only use .300 Blackouts and not .223s.

The best case scenario when buying the wrong ammo is that it won’t fit in your gun. Worst case scenarios involve combustion and serious injuries. You do not want that.

.22 Long Rifle

The most common rifle and pistol caliber is the faithful .22 Long Rifle (LR). The .22 LR is ideal for beginners, target practice, and getting rid of small pests like squirrels, snakes, and rabbits. Not to be confused with the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire round, the .22 LR is the most common ammunition in the world.

When looking at for .22 LR ammo for sale, look for large bricks and only purchase at low prices in bulk. A lot of .22 LR ammo for sale in the market now are reloaded ammunition. Reloaded ammo is safe to shoot, but this information should be disclosed upon sale and should be offered at an even lower price.

Full Metal Jacket Rounds

A full metal jacket (FMJ) round is a standard bullet entirely encased in an outer shell. FMJ rounds are an excellent choice for target practice, due to its inexpensive prices, availability in bulk quantities, and a low chance of jamming a gun. Due to the fact that FMJ rounds are likely to penetrate a target and go through it, the FMJ is less likely to create a fatal wound and much more likely to damage things behind the target—making it a poor choice for defensive shooting.

For example, imagine there’s a burglar in your house and he is standing between you and your children. Luckily, you have a gun, but unluckily, it’s loaded with full metal jacket rounds. You do not want to shoot him using a FMJ bullet, as it may go through him and potentially hit your children as well. That’s every parent’s worst nightmare.

Hollow Point Rounds

The hollow point is a bullet with a hollowed tip designed to expand upon impact of the target. Expanding allows the hollow point to decrease the level of penetration, cause more damage, and maximize stopping power. Hollow point rounds are much more expensive and harder to find in bricks or buckets—but they are ideal for guns being used for defensive or hunting purposes as hollow points can hit the target without penetrating them. 

One More Tip

Knowing everything about ammunition can be a long and tedious process, especially with the fact that there are different types in the market today and even more are being developed by manufacturers around the world. The ammunition you choose isn’t just about the caliber, and there are a myriad of details you can absorb as your gun knowledge grows. Ammunition is an essential part of gun ownership, so read the boxes before you buy, and research anything you don’t understand.

Always be aware of the type of bullet that’s in your gun. If you aren’t familiar with it, it’s best to use a different round that you already know. But don’t let that stop you from exploring other kinds of ammo. Go to your range today and practice shooting new bullets.

State of the Union 2018: President Donald Trump Proclaims “New American Moment”

Diane A. Wade
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State of the Union 2018: President Donald Trump Proclaims “New American Moment”

President Donald Trump has proclaimed a “new American moment” as he delivered his first State of the Union speech to Congress.

The Republican president said he was “extending an open hand” to Democrats to work together.

Donald Trump also said he was ordering Guantanamo Bay to be kept open, reversing an Obama-era directive to close the controversial detention camp.

The American economy is booming but President Trump’s approval rating languishes.

He said his administration was “building a safe, strong and proud America”.

President Trump told lawmakers in a one-hour-and-20-minute speech: “There has never been a better time to start living the American dream.”

As many as 40 million TV viewers were expected to tune in as he implored the nation to come together as “one team, one people and one American family”.

President Trump made a plea for the kind of bipartisan co-operation that has been in short supply during a turbulent first year in office.

“Tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, color and creed,” he said.

Donald Trump, who has enraged Democrats by withdrawing protections for immigrants who entered the US illegally as children, offered an olive branch.

However, the president insisted on a border wall with Mexico and other concessions from Democrats as part of any over-arching immigration deal.

Image source Wikimedia

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Some Democrats booed when President Trump said he wanted to curtail an allowance for legal immigrants to bring family members into the US.

The president again touted his pet plan to rebuild America’s ageing roads and other infrastructure, though he did not offer many details.

He said that 2.4 million jobs had been created on his watch.

Since Donald Trump came to office, the stock market has soared and the unemployment rate is at a 17-year low as the US continues its recovery from the recession of a decade ago.

However, Donald Trump had an average job approval last year of 38%, the lowest first-year rating for any president in the history of Gallup polling.

Massachusetts congressman Joseph Kennedy III, a great-nephew of President John F. Kennedy, delivered the Democratic rebuttal.

Joseph Kennedy III, 37, attempted to seize Donald Trump’s political mantle by purporting to speak for “Americans who feel forgotten and forsaken”.

Bewailing a “fractured country” and depicting the Trump presidency as “chaos”, he said: “Many have spent the past year anxious, angry, afraid.”

“Bullies may land a punch. They might leave a mark. But they have never, not once, in the history of our United States, managed to match the strength and spirit of a people united in defense of their future,” he added.

In one telling moment from President Trump’s speech, members of the Democratic Congressional Black Caucus sat in stony-faced silence amid a standing ovation as the president noted African-American unemployment has hit a record low.

About a dozen Democratic lawmakers said they would boycott President Trump’s speech.

Glee Star Mark Salling Found Dead in Suspected Suicide

Sonia Pantiss
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Glee Star Mark Salling Found Dead in Suspected Suicide

Former Glee star Mark Salling has been found dead near his Los Angeles home in a suspected suicide, weeks before he was due to be jailed over possessing child abuse images.

Mark Salling, 35, was expected to get between four and seven years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child abuse images. The actor’s sentencing was due on March 7.

He played footballer Noah “Puck” Puckerman on Glee from 2009 to 2015.

Image source Wikimedia

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Mark Salling entered into a plea deal last October, avoiding a lengthier prison sentence of up to 20 years.

He was arrested in 2015 after a tip-off that he was in possession of images of children being abused.

Investigators ultimately found tens of thousands of abuse images on his laptop and hard drive.

Mark Salling’s body was found in woodland near to where he lived in Sunland, Los Angeles, media reports suggest.

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